Unpredictable Pakistan can't be written off, says Shahid Afridi

Pakistan trumped South Africa on Thursday to prove they remain arguably the most unpredictable team in international cricket and former all-rounder Shahid Afridi said it would be a mistake to write them off in the ongoing Champions Trophy.

Four days after being steamrolled by arch-rivals India, Sarfraz Khan and his team mates upset South Africa in the rain-hit match to revive their Group B campaign in Birmingham.

Consistency has never been their strong point but Afridi, who featured in Pakistan's five Champions Trophy campaigns, said the win has the potential to transform the young side.

"It is heartening to see Pakistan play the way it did and I hope it continues its good work and brings smiles on the faces of our passionate cricket fans," Afridi wrote in a column for cricket governing body website www.icc-cricket.com.

"I also feel that Pakistan shouldn’t be ruled out of title contention anymore. The win today can make this side do some amazing things in the tournament. Once again write Pakistan off at your own peril," he added.